Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases
The objective of these Best Practices is to clearly outline the standard of practice for the defense of capital cases in Ohio that ensures constitutionally adequate legal representation for indigent persons facing a possible death sentence. At the same time, the goal of every practitioner must be to provide representation that exceeds any minimum standard – the client and Ohio’s system of justice demands an attorney’s best efforts.
The Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases administers the requirements of the Rules for Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases including the certification of attorneys who are eligible to be appointed to represent indigent capital defendants.
- Rules for Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases (Appt. Coun.R)
- Commission Roster
- Annual Reports
- Statewide List of Attorneys Certified to Accept Appointments in Capital Cases
Capital Defense Training Requirements
In the two-year period prior to seeking certification for appointment as trial counsel for indigent defendants in capital cases pursuant Appt.Coun.R. 3.02 or 3.03 and every two years thereafter, an attorney shall satisfactorily complete at least twelve hours of training on the defense of capital cases accredited by the Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases.
Those seeking certification for appointment as appellate counsel pursuant to Appt.Coun.R. 3.04, shall in the two-year prior to seeking certification and every two years thereafter, satisfactorily complete at least twelve of training on the defense of capital cases, of which at least six hours shall be on the appeal of capital cases.
Please note: The temporary allowance of live webinars during the pandemic has expired. Effective 2023, Capital Defense Trainings must be held live in-person to receive death penalty training credit to comply with the certification requirements. Credit will not be granted for live webinars, webcasts, pre-recorded, or on-demand activities.
Contact Information
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street, 5th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3431
Staff Liaison to the Commission:
Tammy White